and this is a good thing. I’ve been stock piling books since my return, and I’m not sure why. I think a lot of it is stemming from orders placed for other things where “I just need 10 more bucks for free shipping”, so a book gets tossed into the order. Another memory card for the camera? Why yes, I’d love to read another Orson Scott Card novel. A longer USB cable? Yes please, add Flash Forward by Robert Sawyer. I think I have almost a dozen books in the queue right now. I panic when I get down to the last book. It’s sort of like when you start scraping the bottom of the peanut butter jar. I had a nightmare about that once.

Anyway. Right now I’m actually reading a non-fiction work by Joe McNally, who is a gifted photographer (National Geographic, etc) and writer. His book “The Hot Shoe Diaries” is an impressive collection of stories, photos, and technical information on shooting with small speedlights (portable camera flashes). I’ve been learning a lot. His photos are pretty amazing. Much of that may be gear related, but so much is just raw natural talent and his ability to be creative so quickly. Photography is really about making the best out of the light you have. Some times that is really difficult.

The track for today was an unexpected accident on the way to work this morning. I rarely let my iPod run on random — my playlists are pretty specific. I did this time, and was pleasantly surprised with Closer, by Dido. Yeah, I listen to Dido.

The closer you get, the better I feel
The closer you are, the more I see
Why everyone says that I look happier
When you’re around
The closer you get, the better I feel

As an aside, the apples on the tree outside the university library are quite tasty right now.